Elon Musk Moving X and SpaceX Headquarters Out of California
On a Tuesday afternoon, tech mogul Elon Musk announced his decision to relocate the headquarters of social media companies X and SpaceX to Texas. This move comes in response to a new law signed by California Governor Gavin Newsom, which Musk cited as the final factor in his decision.
Musk’s Announcement and Responses
Musk took to social media to share the news, stating that SpaceX would be moving its headquarters from Hawthorne, California to Starbase, Texas. X would also be relocating its headquarters, with Musk expressing frustration over the challenges faced in California, such as dealing with violent drug addict gangs near X’s current headquarters.
In response to Musk’s announcement, Governor Newsom cryptically tweeted, “You bent your knees,” along with a reference to a tweet by then-President Trump. State Senator Scott Weiner also chimed in, questioning Musk’s motives and comparing the relocation to Tesla’s previous move to Texas.
Moving Away from California
Musk’s decision to move X and SpaceX headquarters is not the first time he has shifted his operations away from California. In 2021, Tesla’s corporate headquarters moved from Palo Alto to Austin, although the company still maintains a significant presence in Fremont. Additionally, Musk himself relocated his private residence from California to Texas.
Changes at X and Future Plans
The announcement regarding X comes on the heels of Musk’s acquisition of the former Twitter platform, which was rebranded as X. However, the platform faced internal challenges, including workforce reductions and changes in leadership. Musk’s efforts to establish X as a prominent social media platform were met with regulatory hurdles, as seen in the removal of building signage following public complaints.
Overall, Musk’s decision to move X and SpaceX headquarters out of California reflects his ongoing efforts to navigate challenges in the state’s business and regulatory environment.
